Ashima and Ashoke's marriage is arranged by their parents. What do you think of this sort of marriage? How did this arrangement affect Ashima when she moved to America? What impact did this have on their lives overall? Why did they remain married so long? Did they finally fall in love? How did this affect Ashima's take on marriage and divorce?

Why don't Ashima and Ashoke have a name picked out for Gogol when he is born? Should they have? Is Gogol his legal name? How does this affect his parents' traditional values? Why do Ashima and Ashoke attempt to have Gogol enrolled in school as Nikhil? Why does the principal not allow this to take place? Is this appropriate on the principal's part?

Why does Gogol not like his name? Can you relate to Gogol's unhappiness with his name? How? Does Gogol's desire to change his...